This week, Fiji in partnership with WHO launched its national Guidelines for Climate Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Health Care Facilities (CRESHCF). This was realized through a multi-sectoral collaboration that spanned more than three years of consultations. The guidelines were published only 3 months after WHO launched the Global Guidance for Climate Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Health Care Facilities.
In 2017, after the launch of the country’s Climate Change and Health Strategic Action Plan 2016 – 2020 (CCHSAP), Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services committed the country to ‘Green Health Care’. These efforts in the health care sector would complement Fiji’s climate change leadership on the international stage, as the Prime Minister assumed the role of Presidency of the UNFCCC COP 23, and would support the government’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement.
The guidelines were developed over several years following extensive consultations with national and international stakeholders. The guidelines further support the plans and policies of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Economy as custodian of the National Adaptation Plan, as well as the Climate Change Policy and Climate Change Bill.
In his launching address, the Minster for Health and Medical Services underscored that the impacts of climate change on health can never be overemphasized. He added that recent cyclones have exposed our vulnerabilities, and that there is a need to build back better with approved global best practices and standards.
Several health care facilities are already experiencing increased vulnerability, e.g. because of inundation due to rising sea levels or the loss of potable drinking water due to saltwater intrusion. Inland facilities increasingly experience unpredictable rainfall patterns, leading to flash flooding and related infrastructure damage, while remote facilities in the Western division frequently see their health services impacted by prolonged dry weather.
Therefore, the national CRESHCF guidelines are a very relevant and timely resource to build climate resilience throughout Fiji’s health system and ultimately protect the Fijian population. Being a living document, the guidelines are expected to be reviewed and updated regularly.
Fiji’s CRESHCF guidelines are based on WHO’s Guidance for Climate Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Health Care Facilities, and similarly it has 4 fundamental pre-requisites: Health workforce: adequate numbers of skilled human resources with decent working conditions, empowered and informed to respond to increasing environmental challenges; Water, sanitation, and health care waste: sustainable water, sanitation and health care waste services for all healthcare facilities; Energy: Sustainable energy services powering Fiji’s health care facilities; and Infrastructure and technology: sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure and technologies, ensuring the efficient functioning of the health care facility while building resilience and sustainability.
In congratulating the Fijian government during the launching event, Dr Nasir Hassan, Team Coordinator Pacific Climate Change and Health, WHO, highlighted the pertinence of this document to the work undertaken by WHO’s Western Pacific Region (WPRO), where climate change, the environment and health is one of the four strategic priorities for the region. WHO is determined to support Fiji and its neighbours, and to help prepare the region for the continued impacts of climate change while ensuring a prosperous, healthy and safe Western Pacific.
Learn More
Fiji’s national CRESHCF guidelines
WHO Guidance for Climate Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Health Care Facilities
WHO's Country Support on Climate Change and Health